Honda is opening a new chapter in mountain bikes with the RN0, a full-suspension all-mountain e-MTB shown at EICMA 2026 as a 2027 model-year product. It is the company’s first high-end production e-MTB, developed together with German specialist ROTWILD. The programme began with concepts in 2023 and continued with a prototype displayed at Sea Otter Europe in Girona before reaching the production-intent machine now presented.

The RN0 is also meant to reconnect Honda with an earlier and much more radical part of its two-wheel history. The RN01, also known as the G-Cross, was a downhill racing prototype that was never sold to the public, yet Greg Minnaar rode it to the 2005 overall World Cup title. The RN0 carries forward the name and the idea of continuity without trying to reproduce that machine’s extreme racing philosophy. Honda explains RN0 through the phrases “Ride Natural” and “Reach New Peaks”, while the development theme is “New Terrain, Same Dream”. Yusuke Muto leads the project and has been involved in cross country, downhill and BMX since 1995.

A carbon frame built around the Gullwing rear end

The technical centrepiece is a high-modulus carbon monocoque frame. Its Y-shaped construction links the head tube to the rear axle, while the rear suspension uses a Gullwing swingarm with progressive linkage kinematics. Honda established the main architecture, with ROTWILD involved in developing the detailed engineering solutions.

The Gullwing layout is intended to provide more than a distinctive silhouette. Controlled lateral flex in the swingarm is designed to support grip in corners and on off-camber sections. Early press tests indicate that the characteristic can be felt in those conditions, while sideways landings may produce a slight twisting sensation. The geometry places the RN0 firmly in the all-mountain category: a 65° head angle, a 76.5° seat angle, 442 mm chainstays and a 345 mm bottom-bracket height. Reach is 430, 455 and 480 mm for sizes S, M and L. Maximum permitted load, including rider and backpack, is 130 kg.

FOX Factory suspension, mullet wheels and Shimano power

The component package puts the RN0 at the premium end of the category. Up front is a 160 mm FOX 36 Factory Kashima fork, while a FOX FLOAT X Factory shock provides 145 mm of rear travel. DT Swiss H1900 wheels use a mullet arrangement, with a 29-inch front wheel and a 27.5-inch rear wheel. The tyres are 2.5-inch Schwalbe Albert units. Shimano XT four-piston brakes use 203 mm discs, and a Crankbrothers dropper post is part of the equipment. Honda lists an approximate weight of 24 kg and has shown the bike in Pearl Moon Ash Grey.

Electric assistance comes from Shimano’s EP810 drive unit. It produces 100 Nm of torque and 750 W of peak power, weighs 2.3 kg and supports cadence up to 160 rpm. The drivetrain is a 12-speed electronic Shimano XT Di2 system. AUTO SHIFT and AUTO ASSIST automate gear selection and motor support according to cadence, rider input and terrain. Lift & Shift helps the rider restart on a climb, while Extended Assist Carry Over briefly maintains assistance after pedalling stops.

The cockpit includes a 2.2-inch colour display integrated into the top tube, a USB-C port and Shimano app connectivity. This makes the electronic system part of the RN0’s intended riding experience rather than merely an invisible motor installation. The battery capacity is not stated here because the supplied technical communication contains an unresolved conflicting figure, making a single number unsafe to publish as confirmed.

What the early press tests show

The first press tests produce a positive but qualified picture. Comfort, uphill traction, sensitivity over small impacts and motor performance are repeatedly identified as strengths. At the same time, the 145 mm of rear travel becomes more noticeable at high speed and on steep descents. The rear shock sits deeply within the frame, making adjustment difficult, while the display offers less information than some competing systems.

The tests also mention drivetrain noise and chain impacts that are amplified by the hollow carbon frame. Alex Boyce places the RN0 on the all-mountain rather than enduro side of the category, describing it as a bike for varied trail use with a motor that is not excessive but suits a more pedal-focused experience. He also regards ROTWILD as a suitable partner for the frame and the bike’s handling development. The overall picture is therefore one of comfort, traction and equipment, rather than a radical technical recreation of the RN01.

Honda’s positioning and the unanswered commercial question

Honda places the RN0 within its broader electrification programme, alongside the WN7, the company’s first electric motorcycle. Entering the premium e-MTB segment allows Honda to work with established specialists for the drive unit and drivetrain while concentrating on frame design and brand identity. Other motorcycle manufacturers have already moved into electric bicycles: Ducati has renewed its e-MTB range with Avinox motors and prices reaching 12,990 euros, while KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas and Yamaha also have a presence in electric bicycles or powertrain technology.

Honda will sell and support the RN0 through selected Honda dealers rather than bicycle shops. That distribution plan points to two overlapping audiences: motorcyclists interested in another form of mobility and bicycle riders attracted by the Honda name. Toni Bou’s role as a representative follows the same logic. Honda is using a motorcycle champion whose trial background connects naturally with mountains and bicycle-style balance, rather than relying only on recognition within the e-MTB community.

Honda has not announced a price or delivery date. Its Italian website lists the RN0 as a 2027 model and provides an interest-registration form, while estimates from observers in the United States place the possible price between 9,000 and 12,000 dollars. That range is not an official Honda price list. With a carbon frame, FOX Factory suspension and an XT Di2 electronic drivetrain, the RN0 is clearly aimed at premium buyers. Its final market position will depend on pricing and distribution plans, but the strategic direction is already clear: Honda is extending its identity from motorcycles and motocross onto technical trails with a fully equipped electric mountain bike.